This picture will likely not print very well with just a straight shot of high contrast filtration and low contrast filtration respectively.

The contrast of the scene is fairly high, and there's not detail in the hottest highlights, as well as the darkest shadows, which means the negative was underexposed and overdeveloped.

So, you must employ the full strength of the split grade printing technique, and take advantage of the fact that you can burn and dodge at different contrast filtration. This is the true strength of printing this way, and if you're anything like I am, I sometimes use three different filters for my burning to get it just right.
And, I must disagree that the high contrast filter has little to no effect on highlights - it can have a very dramatic effect. Especially in something like an overcast sky, for example, to create texture in those areas, to accentuate the small differences in tone that may be present there.

Good luck!

Hi Thomas, yep, still lots of room for improvement to my work prints, which is fine with me, I need the practice! These negs were the result of a perfect storm of obstacles. P&S camera, direct sunlight, heavy shadows, very light skinned subject, tri-colored hound, and the list goes on. I wasn't processing my own negs back in '95 when these were taken. The local "pro" shop developed the negs, and I had them do a 5x7 print for me. VERY disappointing results, with the highlights completely blown, so now that my own darkroom is up and running, it was the perfect opportunity to try to improve some prints, learn some new techniques, and have some fun, all at the same time!
Thanks for your response. I'll be sure to post some new scans when I manage to complete a couple of final prints.